Microsoft continues to enhance its Windows hardware offerings, recently announcing the release of updated versions of the Hardware Lab Kit (HLK) and the Virtual Hardware Lab Kit (VHLK) for Windows 11 24H2 and Windows Server 2025. These updated versions are intended to replace the original RTM version released in May 2024.
The announcement was made on May 6, 2025, via Microsoft’s official blog, stating that the refreshed HLK and VHLK come with several improvements. These include test errata fixes, removals of certain tests, and the addition of new tests aimed at maintaining high overall test quality and minimizing triage time for known test issues.
Users relying on these tools for driver testing will benefit from additional functionalities, such as support for Bluetooth LE Audio and enhanced support for Generation 2 virtual machines in VHLK.
HLK and VHLK are essential for hardware manufacturers. They provide a framework for testing and validating drivers before their final release with Windows. Successfully passing HLK tests can lead to WHQL certification, ensuring hardware compatibility. VHLK serves a similar purpose for virtual environments, allowing for testing without the need for physical machines.
For those in hardware development or driver compliance, grabbing these updated tools is now necessary to ensure continued compliance and performance.
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